[Compendium] - Tools of the Trade

This month I failed (again) to reduce my workload so it's 30 pages again! I'm sure this will be the last time since for this one, I felt compelled to include all the artisan's tools, which were a lot, and I didn't give up until I had it all on paper. The next one, being fiend-themed, is much more freeform/open-ended so hopefully I'll stop before it gets too unwieldy.

While writing this compendium, I was wholly aware XGE and DMG also have their own crafting/artisan's tool rules. It was tough to purposefully avoid them while ensuring my work was distinct enough to offer variety from their systems. As far as I know, Artisan's Boons and Craft dice don't exist in copyrighted 5e content. I hope. Also, it was fun to see this compendium idea was floating around a month before Chetney made his debut.

I'm glad I always find something exciting in each compendium I produce; for this one, I'm happy with the simple crafting system. I approached the existing system with the intention to solve the two biggest issues that kept me from crafting in a typical game (those being an unfun downtime activity and the desire for just a little agency). The Craft die idea feels really elegant - spending them on reducing days helps the work progress even during adventures, or helps with the tougher attempts to avoid "wasted" progress. Very in line with 5e philosophy. I'm looking forward to implementing them in a game soon.

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Download the pdf to check out the expansions to artisan’s tools including special components and alternative uses, artisan’s boons for the crafter, simple rules for crafting during adventures, 22 artisanal items, 4 monsters for artisans, and lore for the covert group Master Artisan assassins.

Head over to this post for the item exclusive to this compendium: a hammer for the stonemason.

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Thank you as always to patrons old and new! I'm eternally grateful for your continued support and humbled by the fact that there are so many of you. I hope you all have a fun spooky game for Halloween!